Amarillo vs El Paso for Families (2026)
A family-focused comparison of housing, income, taxes, and overall affordability in Amarillo, TX vs El Paso, TX.
- 2BR rent: $1,250/mo in Amarillo vs $1,400/mo — 11% difference
- More affordable homeownership in Amarillo: $200K median vs $215K
- Higher median household income in Amarillo: $50K/yr vs $48K
- Amarillo has no state income tax — more take-home for family expenses
Family cost comparison
| Metric | Amarillo Texas | El Paso Texas |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR rent/month | $1,250Better | $1,400 |
| Median home price | $200KBetter | $215K |
| Median household income | $50KBetter | $48K |
| Est. childcare/month | $1,040Better | $1,040 |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | None |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8.3%Better | 8.3% |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Amarillo or El Paso?
Based on housing costs, income, and taxes, Amarillo scores slightly better for families overall. Amarillo has lower 2-bedroom rents, Amarillo is more affordable for homebuyers, though both cities have strong family communities.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Amarillo vs El Paso?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,250/month in Amarillo and $1,400/month in El Paso. Amarillo is 11% cheaper for a 2-bedroom apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Amarillo or El Paso?
The price-to-income ratio in Amarillo is 4.0× ($200K home, $50K income) vs 4.5× in El Paso. A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable. Amarillo is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Amarillo vs El Paso?
Based on cost-of-living indices, estimated childcare (infant/toddler) runs approximately $1,040/month in Amarillo and $1,040/month in El Paso. These are estimates — actual costs vary by provider and program type.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Amarillo (Texas) has no state income tax vs El Paso (Texas) has no state income tax. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, the difference can mean $0+/month in take-home.
Childcare estimates based on national average scaled by COL index. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026
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